Migrate your custom CSS theme
This article explains how to test and migrate your custom CSS theme to our new PDF generator.
We're upgrading FreeAgent’s PDF generator as the existing one will no longer be supported from 15th September 2026. Whilst the new generator is designed to be more efficient, slight variations in how CSS is handled may affect the layout of invoices, estimates and credit notes that use custom CSS themes.
To prepare for this, please test your CSS themes using our new generator as soon as possible. Testing now ensures your invoices, estimates and credit notes will remain professional for your customers.
If you’re happy with the layout, no further action is needed. If the new generator affects your layout, you’ll need to either update your CSS or switch to a standard or custom FreeAgent theme before the deadline of 15th September 2026.
Please note:
- Everyone will be moved to the new PDF generator on 15th September 2026.
- You’ll need to download a PDF file of your custom CSS theme to check it, as the online preview will not show any layout changes.
- We recommend that you save a copy of your CSS before making any changes. FreeAgent does not store backups of custom code and changes are effective immediately.
- FreeAgent is unable to provide support for technical or design questions related to custom CSS themes.
How to test the new generator
In order to test your custom CSS theme using the new generator, you’ll need to download a PDF file to see the results as the online preview will not show layout changes.
To do this, select 'Settings' from the drop-down menu under your business name.
Next, select 'Theme Settings' from the ‘Emails, Invoices & Estimates’ section.
Then, select ‘Edit’ below the ‘Custom CSS Theme’ thumbnail.
If you’re on the old generator, you’ll see a yellow notice prompting you to move to the new generator. Select the ‘Enable new PDF generator’ button.
You should now see a notice indicating you are on the new generator. Select ‘Download a test PDF of your latest invoice’ to review your most recent invoice using the new generator. You may also wish to check other invoices if the content of your invoices tends to vary.
If you’re happy with the PDF, no further action is required.
If you’re not happy with any changes to layout of your custom CSS theme, you can either:
- Choose a standard theme from our gallery (we have recently updated the CSS for all of our standard themes so that they work with the new generator);
- Use our theme designer to customise key elements of your invoice theme; or,
- Make changes to your custom CSS theme until you’re happy with the layout.
You can move back to the old generator until 15th September 2026 by selecting 'Revert to old PDF generator' in the blue notice. After this date, everyone will be moved to the new generator.